Sabbath, March 21st, 2026 | Pastor Kerry-Ann Butler | A Leader Worth Following

Mar 21, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: Discipleship requires movement beyond our comfort zones.

True growth in faith often begins when we are stretched beyond what is familiar and safe. In these seasons of discomfort, we learn to depend on God more deeply than we ever have before. We learn to pray with more urgency and to listen for His voice with greater intention. This process is not meant to break us, but to build our reliance on Him and strengthen our relationship with our Creator. What feels like a trial is often a tool in God's hands for our development. [17:27]

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:19-21, NKJV)

Reflection: Consider a current situation in your life that feels uncomfortable or challenging. In what specific ways might God be inviting you to trust Him more deeply through this experience, rather than just seeking a way out of it?

Day 2: Discipleship builds through consistent, caring relationships.

The journey of faith extends far beyond a single decision for Christ; it requires ongoing care and intentional walking alongside others. This process involves encouraging one another to remain faithful, especially when challenges arise. It is about celebrating decisions but also committing to the long-term development of a person's character and faith. We are called to be people who offer not only an invitation but also consistent, loving aftercare. [23:57]

And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:26, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your spiritual community that you could intentionally check in with this week, not to ask for anything, but simply to encourage them in their walk with God?

Day 3: Our personal struggles can prepare us to help others.

The trials we walk through are rarely just for our own benefit. God often uses our pain and confusion to equip us to minister to someone else who will face a similar struggle later. Our experiences become a testimony that we can share from a place of genuine understanding and empathy. This allows us to speak not from theory, but from the reality of God’s faithfulness in our own lives. [27:09]

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a past difficulty that God has brought you through. How has that experience uniquely positioned you to offer comfort or guidance to someone who is currently walking through something similar?

Day 4: True discipleship leads to Christlike transformation.

Authentic discipleship changes us from the inside out, affecting how we think, speak, and respond to others. It is less about acquiring information and more about receiving a holy impartation from those who are further along in their journey. As we spend time with Jesus and with godly mentors, we begin to naturally reflect His character. This process makes us more compassionate, patient, and loving, just as Christ is. [31:40]

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific character trait of Jesus—such as patience, compassion, or humility—that you feel the Holy Spirit is currently working to develop in you? How can you cooperate with that process this week?

Day 5: Jesus is the perfect leader who never fails us.

While human mentors and leaders are imperfect and may sometimes disappoint us, Jesus remains the one completely trustworthy guide. He never leaves us, never forsakes us, and corrects us without condemnation. Our primary focus in discipleship must always be on following Him above all others. He is the model for all mentorship and the source of all transformation, faithfully walking with us through every season of life. [36:32]

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you find it most difficult to trust Jesus’ leadership completely, and what is one practical step you can take this week to actively place that area into His care?

Sermon Summary

A focus on “communion in action” reframes communion as a way of life rather than a ritual. Acts 11:19–26 anchors the argument: believers scattered by persecution carried the gospel to new places, Barnabas encouraged the growing church in Antioch, and Barnabas brought Saul to help teach and strengthen the new believers until they were called Christians. Discipleship gets defined practically as learning Jesus, living like Jesus, and helping someone else do the same. That definition drives three clear dynamics: discipleship goes, discipleship builds, and discipleship multiplies.

Discipleship goes by refusing comfort: persecution and hard seasons push believers to carry Jesus into unfamiliar places, and those stretched by hardship learn to depend on God more deeply. Discipleship builds by staying with people after they profess faith; sustained care and mentoring develop trust, spiritual habits, and the rhythms of prayer and honesty that convert an initial decision into a lifelong walk. Discipleship multiplies through impartation: spiritual character, habits, and courage transfer from one life to another until whole communities begin to reflect Christ’s presence so visibly that a new name — Christian — emerges.

Theological anchors underline these dynamics. Transformation comes from relationship, not merely information; spiritual growth needs both divine action and human accompaniment. Trials do not merely afflict; they prepare, equipping people to become useful in others’ breakthroughs. Imperfect human leaders can instruct and err, but the faithful, never-failing leadership of Jesus remains the model: a guide who corrects without condemning, who stays with those who stumble, and who shapes character through persistent presence. The call to respond includes practical invitations: refuse to walk alone, seek and offer mentoring, and live communion by giving time, presence, and consistent care. An altar invitation and prayer conclude with a charge to move beyond programs and into started, sustained, and multiplying relationships that make transformation inevitable.

Key Takeaways

1. Discipleship requires movement and discomfort Growth happens when faith leaves comfort and meets dependence on God. Struggle exposes reliance on self and invites deeper prayer, more honest confession, and clearer listening for God’s voice. Hard seasons form empathy and credibility so believers can later guide others from real experience rather than theory. [75:34]
2. Discipleship stays and builds relationships Conversion without follow-up leaves decisions shallow; sustained companionship shapes spiritual habits. Aftercare models honest prayer, accountability, and correction done in love, creating space for steady mind renewal rather than flash commitments. Long-term presence matters more than one-time ceremonies in forming stable disciples. [80:13]
3. Impartation shapes inner transformation Spiritual growth transmits not only ideas but practices, rhythms, and heart dispositions from one life to another. Beholding a mentor’s trust, prayer, and love produces gradual identity change: people catch what leaders carry. This process forms character that sermons alone cannot produce. [88:16]
4. Jesus remains the faithful leader Human mentors will fail, but the dependable shepherd stays, corrects kindly, and never abandons the struggling. Fixing eyes on Christ prevents disillusionment when people fall short and reorients expectations toward grace-shaped growth. Trusting his steady presence sustains discipleship through valleys and peaks. [96:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[69:36] - Greetings and Thanksgiving
[70:05] - Theme: Communion in Action
[71:09] - Opening Prayer and Story
[74:08] - Reading: Acts 11:19–26
[75:34] - Point 1: Discipleship Goes
[80:13] - Point 2: Discipleship Builds
[88:16] - Point 3: Discipleship Multiplies
[105:59] - Altar Invitation
[111:30] - Benediction and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Based on the sermon summary and transcript provided, here is a Bible study discussion guide.

Bible Reading
Acts 11:19-26 (ESV)
Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Hebrews 13:5b (ESV)
…for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Observation questions

According to Acts 11:19-21, what event caused the believers to scatter, and what was the result of their preaching in new places?
What specific actions did Barnabas take when he arrived in Antioch and saw the grace of God at work? [01:14:58]
The sermon defined discipleship as "learning Jesus, living like Jesus, and helping someone else do the same." [01:13:26] What three dynamics did this definition drive?
What was the ultimate outcome in Antioch after Barnabas found Saul and they spent a year teaching together?

Interpretation questions

Why is discomfort and being stretched often a necessary component for genuine spiritual growth and a stronger relationship with God? [01:18:17]
The sermon made a distinction between an "altar call" and "aftercare." [01:23:57] Why is sustained companionship and mentoring so crucial for converting an initial decision into a lifelong walk with Christ?
The people in Antioch were called "Christians," which means "belonging to Christ." [01:28:50] What does it mean that this new name emerged not from their beliefs alone, but from the way their community lived?
Human mentors can fail us, but Jesus is the perfect leader. [01:36:32] How does His promise to never leave or forsake us provide a secure foundation for our growth, even when people let us down?

Application questions

Discipleship requires movement and can involve uncomfortable seasons. [01:17:27] What is one area of your life or faith where God might be inviting you to step out of your comfort zone to depend on Him more deeply?
Salvation is both a decisive moment and a continuous process that needs to be walked out with others. [01:23:57] Who is currently walking with you to help you develop spiritual habits, honesty, and prayer? If no one is, what is one step you could take this week to seek out that kind of relationship?
The pain you are going through might not just be for your growth, but for someone else’s breakthrough. [01:26:36] How can a past or current struggle equip you to offer compassionate and credible guidance to someone else in the future?
Discipleship is not just information; it's impartation—catching spiritual character and habits from others. [01:31:40] What is one Christ-like quality (e.g., a way of praying, trusting God, or loving difficult people) that you have "caught" from someone else? What is one you would like to develop?
We were never meant to do this journey alone. [01:40:54] Who is one person in your life you feel you could intentionally encourage or check in on this week, not with a church task in mind, but simply to show you care about their well-being?
Who are you discipling? Who are you pouring into? [01:41:38] Even if you don't feel like an expert, who is one person God might be placing on your heart to encourage in their next step with Him?

Sermon Clips

37s

“There is one leader who will never fail you. There is one leader who will never leave you, and there is one leader who knows everything about you and still chooses you. And his name is Jesus. He is the kind of leader who walks with you through every season of your life. He doesn't disappear when things get difficult. He doesn't abandon you when you struggle. When you struggle with things that nobody else knows about, he doesn't leave you. He doesn't turn his back on you when you make mistakes.”

from 01:36:25

53s

“We don't just need outer calls, which is important. Don't get me wrong, but we need after care. We need to care for people after the outer calls. Amen? Because salvation is not just is is both a decisive moment and a continuous process that needs to walk out with others. Yes. There's a moment where you say yes to god. But after that moment, there is a journey. There's spiritual warfare. There's ups and downs. You you feel me on that? There's spiritual warfare, like, intense sometimes. Right? And in this journey, it's a journey of learning, of growing, and of becoming. And that's where discipleship comes in.”

from 01:23:44

33s

“The first point is that discipleship goes. It doesn't stay comfortable. The bible says that believers were scattered because of persecution. But instead of staying silent, they kept preaching. They kept preaching even when they were facing persecution. Amen? They carried Jesus wherever they went. And here's what I've learned. God will often use uncomfortable seasons to grow you into who you're called to be.”

from 01:15:39

54s

“I want to ask you today, who is discipling you? Who is speaking into your life? Think about it. Who is helping you grow? Who can correct you lovingly, not condemningly, pray with you, and walk with you when life gets hard. Because we were never meant to do this journey alone. The Christian journey is not easy. I mean, life is not easy in general. But when we have people with us that are helping support us and walk with us, it may it makes life all that better and more meaningful and and joyful. And we always have Jesus by our side. Amen? Never forget that.”

from 01:40:33

50s

“And I also want to challenge you. Who are you discipling? Who are you pouring into? Who are you encouraging? Who are you helping take their next step in their walk with God? Because discipleship is not just something we receive. It's something that we give. Amen? And here's the truth I wanna say. Discipleship is not a luxury that some people have. It's a necessity. It's necessary. It's not just for pastors. It's not just for leaders. It's not just for people who have it all together. Discipleship is for every single believer because this is how the kingdom of god grows,”

from 01:41:27

37s

“If god brings you to it, he can bring you through it. Amen? So what happens after this? You become a part of their discipleship process, and that's intentional. You become someone god uses to strengthen them. So I wanna encourage you. What you went through and what you're going through right now is not wasted. It's preparation. Amen. God's preparing you for what it is that he has for you to do and to help others in that process. Amen?”

from 01:27:34

40s

“sometimes god allows us to walk through certain trials not just for our growth but for someone else's breakthrough. Because later on, you might meet someone who is going through a situation the same exact situation are very similar to what you went through. The same pain, confusion, and struggle. And in that moment, you're you're not just speaking from theory, you're speaking from experience. You can look at them and say, I've been there. I've been through what you're going through, and I know what it feels like. And if god brought me through it, he can bring you through it too. Amen.”

from 01:26:54

31s

“And this is what true discipleship does. It changes you from the inside out. Not just how you act, but how you think, how you speak, how you respond to others. Sometimes people will really get on your nerves, and you wanna tell them two good words. But the holy spirit checks you. We start, like, drawing closer. See, you some of you understand. The holy spirit checks you like, you bite your tongue, you just pray for them. Amen?”

from 01:29:50

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Sabbath, March 21st, 2026 | Pastor Kerry-Ann Butler | A Leader Worth Following

Devotional

Day 1: Discipleship requires movement beyond our comfort zones.

Day 2: Discipleship builds through consistent, caring relationships.

Day 3: Our personal struggles can prepare us to help others.

Day 4: True discipleship leads to Christlike transformation.

Day 5: Jesus is the perfect leader who never fails us.

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Sabbath, March 21st, 2026 | Pastor Kerry-Ann Butler | A Leader Worth Following

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